The copperhead snake is limited to Victoria, Tasmania, the highlands of New South Wales and possibly the southern parts of South Australia, including some Bass Strait islands. It is the only venomous snake found above the snow line, and may be active in weather generally considered too cold for snakes. It hunts during the day, except on hot days, when it is active at night.

Copperheads are attracted to swamps, rivers and creeks, where they hunt for frogs, reptiles and small mammals. They also eat other snakes, including their own young.